Maryland's Infants and Toddlers ProgramThe Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP) directs a family-centered system of early intervention services for young children with developmental delays and disabilities— and their families. By recognizing each family's concerns and priorities and focusing on each child's strengths and needs, the MITP assists families of children with special needs during the first four years of the child's developmental journey. Support, information, and coordinated services in community settings are what families tell us enhance their ability to manage the challenges and celebrate the gifts that each child has to offer.

The Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program provides monitoring and technical assistance to 24 Local Infants and Toddlers Programs (LITPs) throughout Maryland. These programs are composed of local departments of education, health, social services, and other public and private providers identified by each jurisdiction. LITPs constitute the service delivery component of the statewide early intervention system.

Through Local Infants and Toddlers Programs, services are offered throughout the State and are designed to enhance a child’s potential for growth and development before he or she reaches school age. Services may include: audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, transportation, speech-language pathology, family training, special instruction, assistive technology, health services and home visits.

State regulations specify that a child, birth through age two is eligible for early intervention through the MITP in any one of three ways:

Has a 25% delay in at least one or more of five developmental areas (cognitive; physical, including vision and hearing; communication; social or emotional; adaptive);

Manifests atypical development or behavior in one or more of the five developmental areas, interferes with current development, and is likely to result in a subsequent delay (even when diagnostic instruments and procedures do not document a 25% delay); or

Has a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay.

Maryland’s Extended IFSP OptionMaryland’s Extended IFSP Option offers families the choice to remain on an IFSP beyond their child’s third birthday, if their child is determined eligible for preschool special education and related services as a child with a disability. The extension of IFSP services beyond age 3, incorporates the strength of the special education/preschool education program with the existing infants and toddlers family-centered model. The Extended IFSP Option moves Maryland toward its mission of creating a seamless birth through 5 early childhood intervention and preschool special education system of services.

Contact Information

Brian Morrison Ph.D., Section Chief

Division of Special Education/Early Intervention ServicesMaryland State Department of Education